Appendix B: Evaluation issues and questions

Issue #1: Relevance

1.1 To what extent is the DTCFP relevant and responsive to:
- 1.1.1 Federal government priorities;
- 1.1.2 The changing landscape of Canada’s justice system, including recent policy changes; and,
- 1.1.3 Recent approaches/techniques to drug rehabilitation?

2.1 Do Canadians have equal access to DTCs (e.g. including gender or ethnicity)?
- 2.1.1 What are the demographics of DTC participants (e.g., including gender or ethnicity)? Are there any factors that impact participation in the program?
- 2.1.2 Do DTC eligibility criteria differ across the country? Are there any challenges or best practices in terms of the development or application of eligibility criteria? How were eligibility criteria developed, have they changed/evolved? If so how?
- 2.1.3 Are eligibility criteria being adhered to?
- 2.1.4 Are certain groups more likely to be screened in or out based on eligibility criteria?
- 2.1.5 To what extent are DTC participants’ treatment plans and services responsive to the needs, identity factors of participants?
2.2 Are there any challenges associated with DTC operation and expansion?
2.3 Are the reporting requirements in funding agreements appropriate and being adhered to?
- 2.3.1 Has the performance measurement system and DTCIS data supported reliable DTCFP monitoring and reporting?

3.1 What factors impact retention in DTCs?
- 3.1.1 What percentage of participants complete the program?
- 3.1.2 Do completion rates differ (e.g., by gender or for Indigenous or non-Indigenous participants)?
- 3.1.3 What are the factors that facilitate or impede completion and retention?
3.2 What impact does access to community support services have on DTC outcomes?
- 3.2.1 To what extent have DTC participants utilized various community services and supports?
- 3.2.2 Does access to community support services impact DTC program completion or recidivism?
3.3 To what extent does the DTCFP facilitate information sharing among DTCs, federal/provincial/territorial representatives, and external partners, including sharing best practices and lessons learned?
- 3.3.1 Are current practices for sharing of information effective? Are there any suggestions for improvement?
3.4 To what extent have DTCs contributed to DTC participants’ health and social stability (e.g., illicit drug use, employment)?
3.5 To what extent have DTCs contributed to the reduction in criminal recidivism among participants?
- 3.5.1 Are there any unintended impacts (positive or negative) of DTCs?

4.1 How efficient is the DTCFP in managing the funding agreements for federally funded drug treatment courts?
4.2 Do DTC programs represent a cost-effective and appropriate means of reducing drug use and criminal recidivism among the target group, as compared to the mainstream justice system?